Menendez calls for more railroad safety standards

PAULSBORO — A U.S. senator from New Jersey is calling for tougher penalties for railroads that violate safety rules, among other changes he's proposing to try to prevent accidents involving hazardous materials.

Democrat Robert Menendez said Thursday that his plan is in response to a National Transportation Safety Board report last month that found systemic problems involved in the November 2012 derailment of a train in Paulsboro.

One derailed car leaked vinyl chloride, leading to the evacuation of people living nearby. Exposure to high levels of the gas has been linked to dizziness, breathing problems and even death.

The NTSB faulted train operator Conrail for continuing to open and close a swinging bridge where the train derailed despite repeated problems. The agency also said the train operator did not promptly share detailed information with local emergency responders.